22.04.10 - Invitation to St
Dobcross Silver would like to invite you all to our annual St. George's Day Concert on Sunday 25th April at Dobcross Band Club.
The concert will start at 8pm and will be 3.00 entry to what will be an unforgettable concert!
The programme will be a mixture of traditional English pieces and plenty of Solo's to show off the young, English talent we are so proud to have in the band.
If you have any enquiries about the concert, please do not hesitate to get in touch using one of the methods on our contact page.
See you there!
17.04.10 - Belated Welcomes!
Dobcross Silver would like to make some belated welcomes to the band now the busy Regionals period is out of the way.
Firstly, we would like to welcome Lynne Greenhalgh on Solo Horn. Lynne kindly offered her services on percussion for this years Area contest and due to our previous Solo Horn player Kate Stevenson leaving the band to go travelling, has now took the Solo Horn seat. Lynne is no stranger to Dobcross Silver as she had a large stint on Baritone under Dennis Hadfield's baton.
Also, a big welcome to Clare Fawcett, who is another former Dobcross Baritone player. Clare joins the band on 2nd Trombone after stints with Timperley and Ashton.
Last but not least is Becky Howarth, who joins the band on Percussion from Milnrow. Becky is a welcome addition to our ever improving percussion team.
The band have no doubt these signings will help with our push back to the top!
13.03.10 - Good Area result overshadowed!
The bands first 2nd Section contest of the year was somewhat over shadowed by a medical emergency, which saw the 2nd Baritone player of Old Hall Band, Sarah Neal collapse mid-performance.
Dobcross were waiting to go on stage to play when paramedics and members of St. John's Ambulance rushed past onto the stage to assist Sarah. Obviously, this meant Old Hall's performance, which some tipped as a top 3 performance, came to an abrupt stop meaning the band were not placed in this year's 2nd Section results.
Thankfully, Sarah was attended to quickly and taken to Wigan Infirmary as the hall was evacuated, and although the band understandably decided not to return to play, it is reported that she has made a welcome recovery.
Dobcross, after all the fuss and another half-hour wait, finally got on stage to deliver a fantastic and exciting performance which saw the band come in the prizes in 6th place in their first 2nd Section contest since 'the rebuild'.
It was Diggle Band conducted by James Shepherd that was eventually crowned champions, their first North West title since 2003. They will be joined at Harrogate in September by 2nd placed Rainford.
This result for Dobcross Silver is seen as perfect by the band as it gives us another year to improve even more and puts us in a very strong position for another promotion next year.
The band and all it's followers can be very proud of this result as we were able to beat former Championship Section 'big boys' Blackpool Brass and Besses o'th' Barn.
The full list of results are as follows:-
1. Diggle (James Shepherd), 7*
2. Rainford (Neil Samuel), 6*
3. Haydock (Mark Quinn), 5
4. Morecambe (Andrew Warriner), 10
5. Haslingden & Helmshore (David Holland), 11
6. Dobcross Silver (Grenville Moore), 4
7. Eccleston Brass (Ian Bateson), 8
8. Middleton (Matt Stringer), 9
9. Flixton (Stephen Curtis), 12
10. Co-opertaive 2000 Brass (Jamie Meredith), 13
11. Besses o' th' Barn (Jonathan Lo), 1
12. Blackpool Brass (Chris Larder), 2
Not Placed: Old Hall Brass (John North), 3
01.01.10 - Happy New Year!
The Dobcross Silver Band would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. The band is, of today, promoted to the 2nd Section and hopefully can continue the success we had last year under M.D. Grenville Moore.
14.11.09 - Peter Moore Concert Huge Success
On Friday 13th of November, the Dobcross Silver Band combined forces with young trombone virtuoso, Peter Moore, to produce a dazzling evening of first rate musical entertainment. The concert was a sell out, with many famous faces from the banding world scattered throughout the captivated audience.
Peter, along with his accompanist, Mr Nicholas Oliver, performed two solo segments, which were punctuated by two programmes of music from the band. Peter's musical maturity and versatility was highlighted in his choice of music, which frequented a number of different styles, and even ventured onto another instrument, the alto trombone. His solo programme did of course include 'Sang Till Lotta' by Jan Sandstrom, the piece of music which secured him the title of BBC Young Musician of the Year.
The band provided the perfect compliment to Peter's playing. Under the direction of Peter's father, Grenville Moore, the Area Champions and National Finalists aimed to showcase their talents to a prospective audience, and did so with an outstanding performance. Former Musical Director of Wingates Band, Dr. Roy Newsome, also stepped up to take the baton for a special performance of 'Death or Glory'.
Peter joined the band to bring the concert to a close, playing 'Blessed Assurance'; a fitting end to a wonderful evening.
The Dobcross Silver Band would like to take the opportunity to thank Peter Moore and Nick Oliver. Also, thanks to the band committee, and everyone who helped make the night a great success.
The band made many new friends at the concert, and they hope to welcome them back to their future engagements.
27.10.09 - Peter Moore - Young Musician of the Year & Dobcross Silver Band
The Dobcross Silver Band are proud to be able to invite you to a very special concert at Dobcross Church on Friday 13th November 2009.
The concert will feature the fantastic playing of the 'BBC Young Musician of the Year', Peter Moore and his pianist, Nick Oliver who will no doubt give you a night to remember. It will also include the 2009 Area Champions and National Finalists, Dobcross Silver Band who will be putting on a programme of their own to add to the nights entertainment. The band will then be joined by Peter Moore for an extra special number.
There will be a bar open and refreshments for the interval and players from the band will be around the church giving you the opportunity to meet them and have a chat if you so wish. Also, we would like to invite you in advance to come up to the Dobcross Band Club after the concert for a drink with the band.
This is a almost a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a concert of this kind and we urge each and every one of you to get your tickets NOW while you can as they are in high demand.
Full details of the concert are as follows:
Holy Trinity Church,
Dobcross,
Friday 13th November,
8pm Start
Tickets are priced at: SOLD OUT
Full - 7.50
Concessions - 5.00
Tickets are available from:
Dobcross Band Club
Dobcross Post Office
Lesley Jubb Travel - 0161 620 1464
You can also purchase tickets if you get in contact with any playing or committee member of the band.
So come on people, lets fill the church and make it a night to remember! Come and support the band and come and support the church.
We look forward to seeing you there and we know you'll leave wanting more!
SOLD OUT!
04.10.09 - Success at Bolsover
Today, the Dobcross Silver Band came away with some silverwear after putting in a fine performance at the 'Bolsover Contest'.
Musical Director, Grenville Moore put together a good programme which consisted of 'Anything Goes', 'Demelza', 'The Contestor', 'Mack the Knife' and 'I'll Walk With God'.
The band came off stage with their heads held high and confidence booming after what some players thought was one of the best band performances for a very long time.
After a couple of hours of quality bar time, the results began. Adjudicator, Ian Porthouse, was very impressed by all the bands' performances, especially the top 2 and went on to read out the results.
The band came home with 2nd place, which for 2 rehearsals on the pieces, is quite frankly, fantastic. Our Soprano player, Ben Halstead, won best soloist with a "very good account of Demelza".
All-in-all, a very good and successful day out for the Dobcross Silver Band who continue to make huge leaps forward in quality.
The band is now preparing for the many concerts and contests ahead and are more than ready for the 2nd Section as of January.
The official results for the 'Bolsover Contest' are as follows:
1. Emley Band (Gary Hallas) - 93
2. Dobcross Silver (Grenville Moore) - 91
3. Kirkby Colliery (Steve Berrill) - 90
4. Ireland Colliery (Ian Knapton) - 87
5. Hucknall & Linby (Paul Whyley) - 85
6. Worsbrough Brass (John Hopkinson) - 84
7. Ceramic Brass (Steve Churchill) - 83
27.09.09 - Dissapointment in Harrogate
Today, the Dobcross Silver Band competed in the '3rd Section National Championships of Great Britain'.
Many months of hard work and fundraising saw the band stay overnight in a hotel fit for royalty. The players went back to the hotel to relax after a very good rehearsal and were asked to get an early night and be up for breakfast at 6am, after which they had a short morning rehearsal to brush over a few things and sort out any tuning problems.
At 7.30, the band set off to the Harrogate International Centre but soon got the call from our President, John Holden, informing us that we had been drawn 9th out of 17 bands which, to the delight of everyone, meant we could turn back and relax at the hotel for an hour or so.
At last it was time to set off to go and the band were soon in 'contest mode' and ready to get on stage and show the adjudicators, Robert Childs and Ray Farr what we could do.
The band signed in and after a 10 minute wait, were on stage playing Goff Richards', 'Oceans'.
4barsrest.com commented on the performance saying, "Good opening has a pronounced feel for detail and grandeur. A very detached style is very clean and clear if in need of more breadth in tonality. Good solo lines enhance this very prolonged feeling of style. It’s a turbo charged one – a vindaloo Young Ones! Very exciting though and well played. All-in-all, a good one with a very individualistic style and approach."
However, even with these very positive comments, the band came off stage dissapointed with their performance, feeling they could have produced something so much greater.
This was backed up by the result. The Dobcross Silver Band, predicted to win by some, had been placed 10th out of 17 bands. The players were left dissapointed but not suprised by the result and so they boarded the coach and headed off back to Dobcross eager to get back on the contesting stage at Bolsover next week and put in a good performance.
The official results for the 3rd Section National Championships of Great Britain are as follows:
1. Brunel Brass, John Winterflood, West of England, 3
2. North Skelton, Tim Oldroyd, North of England, 17
3. Cubbington Silver, Gary Smallwood, Midlands, 13
4. Douglas Town, Gordon Higginbottom, North West, 12
5. Coalburn Silver, Gareth Bowman, Scotland, 2
6. Royal Buckley Town, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Wales, 4
7. Crofton Silver, Tim Sidwell, Yorkshire, 16
8. Bugle Silver, David Pope, West of England, 11
9. Lostock Hall Memorial, John Wood, North West, 8
10. Dobcross Silver, Grenville Moore, North West, 9
11. Hungerford Town, Tim Crouter, London and Southern Counties, 5
12. South Milford Brass, Richard Wilton, North of England, 6
13. Dunfermline Town, David Neil, Scotland, 14
14. Bakewell Silver, Mark Wilcockson, Midlands, 10
15. Garforth Brass, Steven Bailey, Yorkshire, 7
16. Ynyshir, Dean Evans, Wales, 1
17. St. Sebastian Wokingham, Lee Woodward, London and Southern Counties, 15
The Dobcross Silver Band would like to thank everyone who donated money towards the Harrogate trip and everyone who helped us get there and make it a special weekend for all concerned.
12.07.09 - Durham Miner's Gala
Yesterday, Dobcross Silver Band took the 2 and a half hour trip to Durham to take part in another 'Durham Miner's Gala'.
This, though, was not just any ordinary occasion. It was the 125th Durham Miner's Gala!
The players showed great commitment to the band by meeting at the band club at 4.30am, a time most of the band have never seen before! Everyone arrived on time and we even managed to depart from Dobcross 3 whole minutes earlier than originally scheduled which was 5am.
We arrived in the village of Boldon - the village we were representing - at 7.30 am where we were greeted by the people of Boldon. We enjoyed an hour break where we were given bacon butties and a brew and we were then ready to set off to the starting point of the march.
We marched on to the main field where we arrived at around 10am and were due to meet back there at 1pm...so you can imagine what the band wanted to do. We resisted though and everyone met back at the field at 1pm, sober!
The band then marched over to the cathedral, where we are proud and honoured to have been invited to play in on the 125th Durham Miner's Gala. We did a slow march into the cathedral playing 'Silver Hill' which was a fantastic experience for the band as a packed Durham Cathedral were watching us walk down the isle to the altar.
To march out of the cathedral after the service, the band played the famous piece, 'The Floral Dance' and had the audience all clapping along!
We then had the option of walking back to the coach or marching back through the streets of Durham to the coach. The band chose to walk back as it had been a long day and we just wanted to get back to Boldon and have a sit down.
We finally arrived back in Boldon where the band had a drink and a buffet before giving the banner group a small concert where we played the march, 'Army of the Nile', 'I'll Walk With God', 'Silver Hill', and 'The Floral Dance'.
The people of Boldon enjoyed the day, we enjoyed the day and all-in-all was a complete success. The players did the band proud and went back to Dobcross tired, but smiling!
24.05.09 - Yet more silverware for Dobcross!
Last night saw the Dobcross Silver Band pick up yet more silverware for their ever-increasing trophy cabinet. This time at 'The Lordsmere Cup' in Boarshurst.
The band played the popular march 'The Chieftan' down the street and were tipped by many to take home the Deportment prize.
We then proceeded onto the stand where we were to play the hymn 'Sandon' and the march 'The Contestor'. I think it's fair to say that we came off the stand greeted by the biggest applause of the day and confident we were to win the Section B prize (not because we were the only band in it, honest!).
The adjudicator, David Ashworth put in his comments for the hymn, "this is very fine playing with no one out of balance" and for the march, "I have sat all the way through your performance waiting for something to write about and to sum up, it was an excellent and solid performance. This was a pleasure to listen to. Congratulations."
Our principle cornet player, Charlotte Heaven, won the 'best cornet' prize and our principle euphonium player, James Brooks, won 'best euphonium' so all in all, it was an especially good day for these individuals as well as the band.
The band now look forward to the Whit Friday march contests after a good "run out" if you like and look to win yet more prizes.
22.05.09 - Brass on the Grass!
Dobcross Silver Band would like to invite each and every one of you to Dobcross village green to watch us perform in our annual and increasingly popular 'Brass on the Grass' concert.
This year sees MD Grenville Moore conduct his very first 'Brass on the Grass' concert and we're certain he'll provide you with the very best in entertainment.
The concert will be on DOBCROSS VILLAGE GREEN at 2pm on SUNDAY 5th JULY and is absolutely nothing in cost. Simply turn up and enjoy! After the concert, everyone is more than welcome to come up to the Dobcross Band Club for a drink!
We look forward to seeing you,
Dobcross Silver Band
20.05.09 - Have you played with the Dobcross Silver Band?
In an effort to build up the band's stock of uniform, instruments and any other Dobcross Silver Band equipment, we are looking for any player who has played in the band recently or even just helped out to contact us if they have any bits of uniform they may have or forgotten about.
Many thanks,
Dobcross Silver Band
02.03.09 - Success In Blackpool!
This weekend, Dobcross Silver spent the day in Blackpool Winter Gardens for the North West Area competition, a contest the band has competed in almost every year.
However, 2008 saw the bands debut in the 3rd section and it was commented by 4barsrest that the band will soon be in the winners enclosure - and they were right!
Dobcross are delighted to announce that they gained 1st place at the competition out of 20 bands, making Dobcross the North West Area 3rd Section Champions!
The band are extremely happy with this result and hope it is the start of great things which are to come.
www.4barsrest.com said about the performance "In the Spanish Hall it was one of the areas most famous bands, Dobcross Silver, which took the honours under the baton of Grenville Moore. This was super stuff, full of quality in the ensemble and benefiting from secure soloists who played with real confidence. The MD chose tempos that were spot on too, and the percussion in particular enhanced the overall musical picture by being subtle and controlled. Even with the finishing line in sight they kept their style and form admirably. It was a deserved winner."
The composer of the test piece, Andrew Baker added his comments by saying, "Dobcross were deserving winners from the composer's point of view, Grenville's reading was exactly what I envisaged and the playing was, in the main, excellent."
Grenville took a moment to comment on the result by saying, "It's like a fairytale. The band was so close to folding a couple of months ago and in that short time has completely transformed. Everyone has worked so hard in getting us to Blackpool and we've achieved something great here."
Dobcross will be competing for the National title in Harrogate along with the other area winners in September this year and are thoroughly looking forward to competing in the 2nd Section in January.
The official results for the 3rd Section are as follows:
1. Dobcross Silver (Grenville Moore), 9
2. Douglas Town (Gordon Higginbottom), 5
3. Lostock Hall Memorial (John Wood), 19
4. Uppermill (Alan Widdop), 18
5. Morecambe (Andrew Warriner), 19
6. Skelmersdale Prize (John Ludden), 1
7. Formby (Louise Hough), 13
8. Hawk Green (Marple) (Andy Wilson), 2
9. Whitworth Vale & Healey (John Binns), 15
10. Trinity Girls (Brian Harper), 7
11. Greenalls (Karl Stott), 3
12. Eagley (Gareth Westwood), 11
13. Boarshurst Silver (David Ashworth), 17
14. City of Chester (Philip Mottershead), 4
15. Stalybridge Old (John Binns), 20
16. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB 'B' (Peter Ashley), 10
17. Ramsey Town (Robert Quane), 8
18. Valley Brass (Haydock) (David Chadwick), 14
19. BMP Europe Goodshaw (Iain McKnight), 6
20. Dobcross Youth (Brian Lamb), 12
Top 3 bands qualify for Harrogate
10.11.08 - Dobcross Silver announces new MD!!
Dobcross Silver Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Grenville Moore as our new MD. Following the departure of Dennis Hadfield, a new full-time MD was needed and Grenville has stepped up and took on the role. Grenville, a former player of the band told '4 Bars Rest': "I am really looking forward to continuing the rebuilding process and proud to be associated with this great set-up. These are exciting times for the band. We do have a few empty seats and would welcome interest from players old and new." We would like to give Grenville a huge welcome as we look forward to a successful future.
Also we would like to thank Dennis Hadfield for his 7 years service. Dennis has been a great asset to the band and we have had some fantastic times during his spell here. Dennis is a very talented conductor and we have thoroughly enjoyed playing under him. We would like to wish him the very best of luck in the future and thank him once again for his services.
30.10.08 - Goodbye and thankyou!
The Dobcross Silver Band would like to say goodbye and a huge thank you to Tom Haslam who has been the bands Principal Cornet player for the last 2 years but is now having to resign from the band due to other commitments. Tom has not only been an outstanding asset to the band with his quality playing abilities but he has been a huge help in the conducting side of things. He has helped tremendously in getting the band back on its feet and moving the band forward in positive steps. We would like to wish you all the happiness and success in the future and once again, thank you for your services.
09.09.08 - Brassed Off
Last week Dobcross Silver Band took part in Brassed Off at Oldham Coliseum. The band had an absolutely fantastic time and it was an experience they will never forget. The production was a huge success and the band even received standing ovations each night!
The other bands taking part in the play are Marsden Band, Mossley Band and Delph Band and will be running until September 27th.
The Manchester Evening News review said "There's something about a good brass band that stirs the soul and although there are four champion bands performing in rotation, including Delph, Mossley and Marsden, we were fortunate to hear the mellow tones of Dobcross who were on cracking form."
The Stage concluded their review with "Director Kevin Shaw keeps a tight hold of the play's elements of betrayal and redemption and, without ever over-sentimentalising, achieves a fine balance of tenderness and pathos, qualities that are underscored by the live brass band's mellow tones."
04.07.08 - Top Marks at Hebden Bridge!
On the 29th of June, Dobcross are very proud to announce that they won the 3rd section at the Hebden Bridge March & Hymn Tune Contest!
This is the band's first win since moving to the 3rd section and they are hoping this is the first of many victories to come!
The band marched up to the Chieftan and on the stand played the hymn Rimmington and the march Mephistopheles.
The full results for the contest are as follows:
Championship Section:
1. Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Shepperd)
2. United Co-op Milnrow (John Ward)
First/Second Section:
1. Clifton & Lightcliffe (John Clay)
2. Holme Silver (Duncan Beckley)
Third Section:
1. Dobcross Silver (Dennis Hadfield)
2. Boarshurst Silver (Greenfield) (David W Ashworth)
Fourth Section:
1. Uppermill Band (Alan Widdop)
2. Clifton & Lightcliffe B (John Clay)
Youth Section:
1. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg)
Best Hymn Tune: United Co-op Milnrow.
Deportment: Boarshurst Silver (Greenfield)
Best Youth Instrumentalist: Soprano Cornet, Wardle High School
"That was like Mephi on speed!"
11.06.08 - Welcomes and Goodbyes!
Dobcross Silver Band would like to welcome some new members to the band.
Firstly Chris Hoyle, Frazer Hadfield and Scott Cooper have joined the band on front row. Kathryn Pickford joins the band on solo horn and Matthew Pickford has joined on solo euphonium. Dobcross would also like to welcome Rick Jaeger and Mike Hoyle on BBb bass.
The band would like to say goodbye to George Adamson and Rob Sankey.
12.05.08 - AGM
Dobcross Silver Band will be holding their AGM on Monday 19th May at 8pm at the Dobcross Band Club.
14.03.08 - Area Contest 2008
After missing the Area Contest last year, competing in it this year was just a distant dream to the members of Dobcross Band. However, it seems the hard work paid off and Dobcross once again made the trip to Blackpool Winter Gardens for a weekend of beer and banding!
This year marked a change to Dobcross, with the drop from Championship Section to 3rd Section, which certainly sparked some interest from local bandsmen to say the least!! However, the new team of players and the great enthusiasm that they share let them ignore what others were thinking and concentrate on their performance at the Area.
The band, after a year of not competing managed to achieve a very respectable 10th place out of a massive 20 bands with 171 points playing Paul Lovatt-Cooper's Dark Side of the Moon.
www.4barsrest.com said about the band:
"Dobcross Silver has been through some turbulent times of late but this very young band delivered a good show and could perhaps count themselves a touch unlucky not to have finished slightly higher than 10th. There was so much potential in their playing that despite the obvious weaknesses you sensed that it will only be a matter of time before they will find themselves in the winners enclosure here."
26.02.08 - Dobcross Silver Fighting Fit Again
Dobcross Silver Band would like to announce signings for the area contest.
After a turbulent year in 2006 nearly culminating in the band having no members, 2007 has seen the band rebuild significantly. Only one player, Susan Whitby, a member for the last 30 years, remains from the Championship Band that sat 5th in the North West in from 2003 - 2007.
The band is now made up of people of all ages from Rhys Taylor, percussionist aged 8 and brother Kieran, 3rd cornet, aged 9 to members in their 50s who wish to remain nameless.
Recent signings include the entire Taylor Family the two boys mentioned earlier and their mum Janet, bumper up and Dad, Howard on BBb Bass.
Sop player, 14 year old Ben Halstead from Oldham Music Centre, 2nd Cornets Rachel Hall and Liz Black from Stockport Schools and Diggle B band respectively and Kieran, mentioned above and Hannah Harrison from Littleborough Band, along with Susan Whitby and Tom Haslam make up the Cornet Section.
Jodie Senior from Dobcross Youth has joined on Flugel horn after a 12 month absence from playing.
The Tenor Horns are Kate Stevenson who joined from Dobcross Youth early last year along with Helen Frost who has returned to playing after a seven year break.
The Baritones are brothers Steven and Michael Cavanagh who play for Stockport Schools Brass Band as well.
George Adamson, a previous member of Soham Old Comrades Band joined on Solo Euphonium after an absence of 6 years playing and was soon after joined by James Brooks on 2nd euphonium from Diggle B Band.
Solo Trombone, Rob Sankey arrived from Oldham Brass after an absence from playing and has been joined by Georgina Wright from Littleborough Band on 2nd Trombone.
The Bass Team are Paul Conchie EEb and Howard Taylor BBb and Percussionist Rhys Taylor make the line-up of permanent members.
We would like to express our thanks to several people who have come out of retirement or are willing to help the band go to the area contest, namely:-
Jack Gardner, Alan Ball, Steve Bradnum, Rob Savage, Neil Hewson, Simon Pymm and Eleanor Chester.
Musical Director, Dennis Hadfield had this to say,
"We are very proud of the way things have turned out over previous months. The focus was to get Dobcross Silver back on an even keel and attending this years area contests.
An amazing amount of hard work has gone in to achieve this and we hope that we can continue this after the area contest and we're looking forward to a brighter future. I would personally like to thank everyone involved in keeping this incredible band going."
The Committee and the Musical Director would like wish all the other bands going to the area contest this year the Best of Luck.